Moral Instruction

Tuesday

Jan 29, 2013 at 12:07 AM

In response to Ruth Kern's letter ["Moral Compass," Jan. 19], I take exception to the last statement: "Why are schools so afraid of the teachings of Jesus?" As a teacher, I am not afraid of the teachings of Jesus. I try to follow them. However, there is a "separation of church and state," which prohibits us teachers from teaching them in the classroom. Many readings allude to the Bible and mythology. I cannot impose on students my religious beliefs, nor should I, and if they believe or not is the student's issue.

In response to Ruth Kern's letter ["Moral Compass," Jan. 19], I take exception to the last statement: "Why are schools so afraid of the teachings of Jesus?" As a teacher, I am not afraid of the teachings of Jesus. I try to follow them. However, there is a "separation of church and state," which prohibits us teachers from teaching them in the classroom. Many readings allude to the Bible and mythology. I cannot impose on students my religious beliefs, nor should I, and if they believe or not is the student's issue.

Not all students are Christian in belief, and many are nonbelievers. Please do not place at education's already overburdened feet something else that mandates another impossibility. We do the best we can with what we are given.

All this goes back to the adage "you can bring the horse to the trough, but you cannot make it drink." You can use the same adage on our legislators, both state and national. Some go in with good intentions, but the complexity of the machine makes it nearly impossible.

Our society makes this difficult as well. Have you seen what is on TV or out on the Internet? Being mean for many today is in. We do not reward kindness or sincerity. In fact, those traits are considered weaknesses. It is difficult to find a happy medium. We are either overly strict or excessively loose.

In addition, if you are poor, you are treated differently than if you are wealthy. Look at Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and the ilk of Hollywood, sports and politics. These are the idols that today's youth try to emulate.

Do we as a nation need a moral compass? Certainly. Moreover, it should begin at home and continue with those who are in the spotlight.